Following the serious rail accidents that occurred in Spain last month, the government and unions have agreed on a comprehensive action plan to improve rail safety. A total of 25 points were agreed, including a 50% increase in "investments in infrastructure maintenance" as well as "the personnel necessary for its implementation", announced the train drivers' union SEMAF (Spanish Union of Railway Drivers).
According to the Ministry of Transport, the Spanish government has pledged to invest 1.8 billion euros in infrastructure maintenance and create 3,650 new jobs in this area. The agreement is "an important step towards improving the rail network and ensuring its competitiveness in the future," Transport Minister Óscar Puente explained after a meeting with union representatives.
Spanish train drivers went on strike on Monday morning to demand more investment in infrastructure, safety and staff. The strike caused significant disruption to rail transport.
The strike was initially scheduled to last until Wednesday. However, following an agreement with the government on an action plan, several unions called for an early end to the strike.
Accidents in Andalusia and Catalonia
On January 18, a train operated by the private company Iryo derailed on the high-speed line between Madrid and Seville, in Adamuz (Andalusia), and collided with a Renfe train traveling in the opposite direction, which also derailed. Forty-six people lost their lives and more than 120 passengers were injured.
The probable cause of the accident is believed to have been a train breakdown. It could be weeks before a final official investigation is completed.
Just two days later, a passenger train near Barcelona crashed into the debris of a collapsed retaining wall onto the tracks. The driver was killed and dozens of passengers were injured.
aud (wa/afp, efe, dpa)
